‘Fireball’ that nearly torched Sampaloc chapel may be failed firework — MPD

A "fireball" that nearly landed on a chapel at Sampaloc, Manila three hours before 2018 dawned may have been a failed pyrotechnic device, according to initial findings by the Manila Police District's bomb squad.

"Base sa nakita namin na video, wala naman pong pumutok, yun nga po pwedeng pyrotechnic," SPO2 Ernesto Rivera Jr. of the MPD bomb squad said in a report by GMA News' Emil Sumangil on "24 Oras" on Wednesday.

The hunch was based on CCTV footage of the incident at Bohol, Sampaloc that was not reported by witnesses to police or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

In the footage, a ball of fire was seen dropping in front of the gate of the chapel along the crowded street. Onlookers were prompted to put the fire out when it flared up.

Rivera reminded the public to avoid approaching fallen pyrotechnics, as others were seen doing in the video.

"Kahit pa sabihin nilang pyrotechnic yan, hazardous pa rin po kasi yan. 'Pag yan nag-touch mga sa combustible materials, pwede pong mag-cause ng sunog," he said.

Rivera then explained the proper way of disposing used pyrotechnics.

"Kasi yang mga 'yan, bumabalik po ang sensitivity niyan, pagka natuyo po. Mas maganda po is tanggalin na lang natin po sa kanyang pinagbabalutan at tsaka po natin ilagay sa tubig," Rivera said.

MPD spokesperson Superintendent Erwin Margarejo also gave tips on how to spot illegal pyrotechnics that may backfire the way the "fireball" did in the video.

"Kung gagamit kayo ng pyrotechnics, tingnan po natin yung manufacturer. Nakalagay po dun yung pangalan ng manufacturer, yung address nila. Pag wala po kayong makikitang label na yan, under the law, 'yan po ay ipinagbabawal," Rivera added. — Rie Takumi/BM, GMA News